Significance of Bhoga
The term Bhoga has varied interpretations across different philosophical and religious traditions. In Jainism, it refers to the officials serving the Lord. In Vaishnavism, it encompasses food offerings for deities and the enjoyment related to devotion. Purana views Bhoga as worldly pleasure and spiritual enjoyment. Vedanta associates it with offerings in the afterlife and unnecessary enjoyment for the Creator. In Shaktism, it relates to both pleasure and suffering as pathways to liberation. Shaivism connects it to the experience of existence. Overall, Bhoga signifies enjoyment intertwined with devotion and a quest for liberation.
Synonyms: Pleasure, Enjoyment, Indulgence, Gratification
In Dutch: Bhoga; In German: Bhoga; In Finnish: Bhoga; In Spanish: Bhoga
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bhoga'
In Buddhism, Bhoga signifies the town where the Buddha lingered peacefully before moving to Pava, reflecting a period of intentional presence and tranquility in His journey.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The town where the Buddha stayed for as long as He wished before proceeding to Pava.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Bhoga'
In Hinduism, Bhoga encompasses various interpretations, including enjoyment through divine blessings for liberation, worldly pleasures influencing Mukti, devotional food offerings, and the interplay of pleasure and suffering in the quest for Knowledge and liberation.
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Enjoyment associated with both pleasure and suffering, viewed as an experience that may lead to liberation or bondage.[2] (2) Refers to enjoyment, indicating that while people experience happiness or pain, it all relates to knowledge and liberation.[3] (3) Enjoyment or the experience of worldly pleasures, which is interconnected with the concept of Yoga in the Kaula tradition.[4] (4) The worldly enjoyment that leads to the greater pursuit of Mukti (Liberation) through transforming desire.[5]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Food offerings made to deities during worship, considered as a form of devotion.[6]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) enjoyment[7]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Foodstuffs for offering to the deity which were to be prepared by the brahmacari devotees for Gurudeva.[8]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Enjoyments created by Ishvara for Jivas to favor them and assist in their liberation (Moksha).[9]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The concept of enjoyment or pleasure, which is deemed unnecessary for the Creator in the context of his creation.[10]
Jain concept of 'Bhoga'
In Jainism, Bhoga can be interpreted as the ministers and officials who assist the Lord in governance, playing a crucial role in decision-making and maintaining order within the spiritual and community framework.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The ministers and officials serving the Lord, tasked with governance and decision-making.[11]
The concept of Bhoga in local and regional sources
Bhoga signifies the obligation of tenants to provide grains or crops to landowners, particularly affecting brahmanas historically. This practice underscores economic and social dynamics in agrarian societies.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text refers to Bhoga as enjoyment and that one must be satiated with it before understanding Yoga, highlighting the role of experience.[12] (2) This refers to the enjoyment of worldly pleasures, as mentioned within the text.[13] (3) Bhoga is mentioned in contrast to Yoga, representing the choice to enjoy this life, as an alternative to giving it up to be a Yogi.[14]